Coating Inspector Program – Level 3

CERTIFICATION

Senior Certified Coatings Inspector Certification (CIP Level 3)

Earn recognition as an expert coatings inspector through the CIP Peer Review process — the oral exam component of the Senior Certified Coatings Inspector (CIP Level 3) credential. This in‑person interview‑style assessment challenges your practical and theoretical coatings inspection knowledge and confirms your readiness to lead inspection programs across complex assets and environments.

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Senior Certified Coatings Inspector Certification (CIP Level 3)
Delivery

In-Person

Languages

English

Certification

Valid for 3 years

Overview

The AMPP Senior Certified Coatings Inspector credential is equivalent to the NACE CIP Level 3, and SSPC PCI Level 3 certification. This certification is for coating inspectors who aim to be recognized as leaders in the Coatings Inspection field. Senior Certified Coatings Inspectors are:

  • Highly experienced in surface preparation, cleanliness, environmental conditions, test instruments, coating mixtures, and safety concerns
  • Capable of undertaking non-destructive and destructive inspections of liquid and non-liquid coatings applied to any substrate without supervision
  • Skilled and possess technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities to address issues that arise on the job site and are capable of supervising Basic Coatings Inspectors and Certified Coatings Inspector

After completing requirements, a Senior Certified Coatings Inspector can undertake unsupervised non‐destructive and destructive inspections of liquid and non‐liquid coatings applied to any substrate. They have proven technical knowledge and the ability to communicate issues that may arise on site and are capable of supervising basic and intermediate inspectors.

Who it's for

  • Certified Coatings Inspectors
  • Coatings Inspectors
  • QA / QC Personnel

Prerequisites

Successful completion of Coatings Inspector Program Level 1 and Coatings Inspector Program Level 2 courses.

Active Coatings Inspector Program Level 2 Certification

Steps to certification

  1. Meet work experience requirements

    5 years corrosion work experience in coatings.

    Note: Please review the Accepted Work Experience Requirements

  2. Achieve certification requirements

    Active certified Coatings Inspector Certification

    Approved Senior Certified Coatings Inspector Application

    Note: Application must be submitted at least 60 days prior to oral exam. Certification candidates must apply for this certification by submitting an on-line application which is subject to approval.

    Successful completion of the Ethics for the Corrosion Professional course or an equivalent training

  3. Sit for the oral exam

    Certification Exam - Senior Certified Coatings Inspector (CIP Level 3) Peer Review Oral Exam

    Oral Exam Preparation Guide

Looking to renew your certification?

Visit My Certification Portal to log and manage your work experience and Professional Development Hours (PDH's) needed. Your work experience and PDH's will be submitted as part of your renewal application but you can input PDH's at any time.

View Renewal Guide  |  My Certification Portal

Guides and resources

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Frequently asked questions

Each AMPP course includes expert-led instruction, course materials, and, when applicable, access to the related certification exam. Specific inclusions are listed on each course’s registration page.

Any prerequisites for a course or certification exam will be outlined on the course page or during registration. Some programs may require relevant work experience or prior coursework. All requirements will be clearly stated before you register.

Payment can be made online by credit card at checkout, by wire transfer, or through an invoice request for company or group payments.

Please ensure all required details are included with wire transfers; incomplete submissions may result in a refund if the payment cannot be properly applied. Full payment is required before the course begins.

If you are unable to attend your scheduled course, contact AMPP Customer Support as soon as possible. You may be eligible to transfer to another course date or location, depending on availability and AMPP’s cancellation policy.

For full details, view our Cancellation and Transfer Policy.

Yes. Upon successful completion of your course, AMPP provides a Certificate of Course Completion.

If your course is part of a certification program, you must also meet all certification requirements outlined for that program. Your registration confirmation email will include details on scheduling exams and completing any additional steps needed for certification.

Course materials are provided at the start of your training to ensure you receive the most current content. Some programs may include optional pre-reading materials after registration—check your confirmation email for details.

If you wish to purchase additional study resources before your course begins, please contact Customer Support for pricing and availability.

You may be eligible for a complimentary one-year AMPP membership depending on the course purchased. Eligibility varies by course tier and delivery partner. Most courses offered through an AMPP Licensee or partner include this benefit; some restrictions may apply.

Yes. AMPP certifications are globally recognized and respected across industries such as oil and gas, infrastructure, coatings, corrosion control, and defense.

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